{"id":435,"date":"2022-05-17T21:13:00","date_gmt":"2022-05-17T21:13:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nyhowarddds.com\/blog\/?p=435"},"modified":"2022-06-13T21:16:19","modified_gmt":"2022-06-13T21:16:19","slug":"link-between-mental-health-oral-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nyhowarddds.com\/blog\/2022\/05\/17\/link-between-mental-health-oral-health\/","title":{"rendered":"The Link Between Mental Health and Oral Health"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"A<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey has shown that almost two-thirds of people diagnosed with depression reported having a toothache in the last year. It also suggested that half of all people with depression rated their teeth condition as poor. The link between mental health and oral health is clear and the numbers are hard to ignore, but what can you do to ensure that your mind and your mouth are both as happy and healthy as possible? Here\u2019s what your dentist<\/a> wants you to know about this connection and what you can do to preserve your mental and oral health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

How Mental Health Impacts Oral Health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In the US alone, 40 million adults suffer from anxiety disorders, making it the most common mental illness in the nation. And depression is frequently associated with anxiety, affecting 1 out of every 10 Americans. But what do these mental health conditions have to do with your oral health?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anxiety disorders can lead to some pretty bad oral health habits that can cause serious issues including chipped or broken teeth, bruxism, or even TMJ disorders. Nervously chewing on hard objects like pens, fingernails, and ice can be hazardous for your teeth, as can grinding your teeth while you sleep. And any amount of tension or stress placed on your teeth and jaw can translate into soreness or a potential jaw issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you suffer from depression, you could potentially lose interest in daily activities like oral hygiene, regular dental visits, etc. This greatly increases the risk of problems including cavities and tooth decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss in serious cases. Inconsistent dental hygiene because of depression can quickly lead to oral health problems that are normally entirely preventable!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keeping Yourself Healthy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Thankfully there are many things you can do to keep both you and your smile healthy, even if you suffer from mental health issues like anxiety or depression. Improving your mental health can directly influence and improve the status of your oral health, so consider the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n